Vendt Highlights Comeback with Triumph in 1,500 Freestyle

IRVINE, California, August 5. JUST a few months into his comeback after retirement, Erik Vendt earned top honors in the 1,500 freestyle at the United States Nationals on Saturday night. Vendt touched the wall in 15:05.41 to defeat Olympic silver medalist Larsen Jensen (15:11.11).

Vendt decided to exit retirement a few months back and has been training at Club Wolverine. Apparently, it hasn't taken him much time to begin regaining the form that made him a silver medalist at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics in the 400 individual medley. Still, he isn't yet satisfied.

"I'm still working on my stroke," said Vendt, who made the Pan Pacific Championships team. "I don't think my stroke is all the way there yet, but I'm looking for big things. I wanted to make a team."

Vendt's teammate at Club Wolverine, Peter Vanderkaay was third in the distance free with a time of 15:14.78. Fourth place went to Robert Margalis in 15:16.74.